Richie Gray in action for the British and Irish Lions (Image: David Rogers/Getty Images)

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SCOTLAND boss Scott Johnson is banking on two shades of Gray to boost Scotland’s World Cup chances.

New Glasgow hero Jonny Gray is poised to light up the autumn Test series by making his big-stage debut alongside brother Richie.

And Johnson hopes the super siblings will forge a partnership that can take on the world in England in two years’ time.

The coach issued his verdict after picking five uncapped players for the build-up to the Murrayfield clashes with Japan, South Africa and Australia next month.

Jonny, who has been in stunning form for the Warriors, said: “To get my first cap alongside Richie in the second row would be massive.

“It would make the whole family very proud, especially my mum and gran.

“Just getting called up to this squad is huge. I haven’t had a chance to speak with Richie yet but that will come in the next day or two.

(Image: Craig Watson/SRU/SNS Group)

“He has been a fantastic role model. He was a hard grafter and you can see how far his career has come.

“We fought a lot as kids – but that was when we were facing each other on the X-Box.”

Also praying for a debut cap are Jonny’s Glasgow team-mates Chris Fusaro and Mark Bennett.

But the big surprises are the inclusion of London Irish duo Kieran Low and Blair Cowan. Johnson said: “This squad is about getting the job right for our Test matches and the next 24 months as we build towards the World Cup.

“We want to expand our playing pool and have to be clear on which of our long experienced players will make that journey. We have to make sure, too, our young players get the mileage on the clock.

“I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen from Mark and Jonny at Glasgow. They’ve been consistent, which is often a challenge for younger players, and shown the resolve to get better. They are quality athletes.”

On the introduction of the London Irish pair, Johnson said: “Low is athletic and big enough to play at lock or blindside. We don’t have many players who can do that.

“Rennie is coming back to fitness and Fusaro is an out-and-out openside but Cowan is a good, tough, energetic player who can play in every back-row position.”

Cowan qualifies through his Dunoon-born mother Joan – a triathlete in New Zealand.

Low’s eligibility comes via his paternal grandfather, Wilfred Low, who was born in Dingwall.

Cowan said: “The Scotland side has always been a strong part of my family.

“My career really kicked off in Britain and Scotland’s always been the country I wanted to represent.”

Former England Under-20 star Low said: “Committing to Scotland was an easy decision to make. I want to grab the chance to play international rugby.”

Nick de Luca and Max Evans, who were omitted from the summer tour to South Africa, are recalled.